Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@dwain-wilder
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @larawilder: Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers
Liked a forum discussions item created by @larawilder: Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers
@dusty
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
"These are wonderful stories. I wonder if subsequence comments could be moved to the Forum discussion Lara started on Family History and Tales of Walt..."
@ken-longfield
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
"Thanks for sharing that Dwayne. My wife grew up in Huntingdon, PA about 33 away. I met Walt at a folk festival. I can't remember whether it was in Maryland,..."
@dwain-wilder
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
"Hi folks, thanks for welcoming Lara. She mentions that she has three dulcimers. What she doesn't say is that she built one of them at Sunhearth, under the..."
@larawilder
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
Posted a response to "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
"Does anyone on this site? Remember going to the Sunhearth Fourth of July folk festival? and just maybe, @Dwain-Wilder can tell us when they started, and when..."
@larawilder
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
Posted a response to "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
"It is amazing pedigree to be sure. I am very grateful to have been a small part of it.Mike Martin (My uncle Mike and godfather, my mother’s cousin) was..."
@dusty
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Down the river I go uncle Joe
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Down the river I go uncle Joe
@davisjames
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Fairytale/ Forever love:
Posted a new Comment on Fairytale/ Forever love:
"That sounds so good!"
@robin-thompson
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Down the river I go uncle Joe:
Posted a new Comment on Down the river I go uncle Joe:
"Such fun! "
@mark-gilston
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
"DavisJames:
That's really interesting(lovely playing also),the contours of the melody almost exactly match those of "The Huron carol",a Canadian..."
@martin-oesterle
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
"Thank you Strumelia and thank you Robin Thompson.I also wish you a happy New Year filled with music."
@martin-oesterle
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Down the river I go uncle Joe:
Posted a new Comment on Down the river I go uncle Joe:
"Die Ziegenklopfer - German Dulcimer Band
The Ziegenklopfer are a rustic, down-to-earth music group from Ludwigsburg, Germany. Fun and atmosphere are the..."
@martin-oesterle
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Down the river I go uncle Joe
Down the river I go uncle Joe
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @wiz:
Posted a new Comment on @wiz:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Wiz. It's good to have you aboard. The mountain dulcimer is a fun instrument to build and play. I have experience building kits from..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @wiz:
Posted a new Comment on @wiz:
"Welcome Wiz to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. There are a number of people here who have built kits from various makers. You may want to..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @momkertz:
Posted a new Comment on @momkertz:
"Glad you joined momkertz. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Great to have you on board. This is a super friendly community of dulcimer..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
"That's really interesting(lovely playing also),the contours of the melody almost exactly match those of "The Huron carol",a Canadian standard.Perhaps not to..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: In the Beak Midwinter
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: In the Beak Midwinter
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
"Good eye indeed, @Ken-Longfield ! Kirsten, that really is a gorgeous courting dulcimer. I especially love the 'old style Scandinavian' heart shapes...."
@redmando
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Thanks Alex - pleased you liked it. The link you posted is to the audio supplements to the newsletter. I believe that the actual newsletters are generally..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @momkertz:
Posted a new Comment on @momkertz:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Momkertz. It is good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@kirsten
• 2 days ago
• comments: 527
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Good eye! Yes it's a Keith Young. My father has the history of the collection and we're doing knowledge transfer now. I can ask him tomorrow.
My parents..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
"Kirsten, that's a beautiful courting dulcimer. Do you know if the top is butternut? It looks like the rest of the dulcimer might be walnut. Was it made by..."
@kirsten
• 3 days ago
• comments: 527
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Hi, Ken! Thank you for the welcome.
My mother was a dulcimer teacher and collected Keith Young instruments. She had a couple of Bill Berg's as well. I'm..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
"Glad you joined Kirsten. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. How special to have your mother's collection. I am sure you treasure that. Jump right..."
@banjostray
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Da Slockit Light
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Da Slockit Light
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Kirsten. It's good to have you aboard. You will find this a welcoming and knowledgeable group of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. Don't be..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
Posted a response to "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
"Welcome to FOTMD, Lara. You should indeed be proud. Both Sunhearth and Bear Meadow have attainted the status of legends in the dulcimer community for both..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @larawilder: Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers
Liked a forum discussions item created by @larawilder: Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers
@larawilder
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
Created a new forum topic "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
"I am a member of the Martin family who grew up going to Sunhearth every year. I am also the daughter of DwainW. of Bear Meadow dulcimers.
I would love to..."
@larawilder
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: FAQ / member guidelines- Please read!
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: FAQ / member guidelines- Please read!
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
"Lara, I don't know anything about the 4th of July gathering. As to the proper forum, I think the General Mountain Dulcimer forum would be the best place to..."
@phil-myers
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"@john-c-knopf Yes, there you were playing your cool build of an Uncle Will Singleton style mountain dulcimer right there on the sidewalk! "
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Same to you, Robin! You two make some fine music. I'm glad we met way back in Berea at the Dulcimer Homecoming."
@larawilder
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
"Richard Streib:
Welcome Lara Wilder to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. This is a great community of wonderful dulcimer people. We have..."
@larawilder
• 3 days ago
• comments: 527
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Hi Ken,
Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I love that you have one of my great uncles dulcimers! That is so wonderful to hear.It’s true… I have so many..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Hey, @john-c-knopf Thanks so much for listening and we're glad you like the tune. Wishing you good health and great joy in 2026! "
@alex-lubet
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Your newsletter is fabulous. I encourage everyone to check it out...."
@alex-lubet
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @redmando: New editor looking for dulcimer stories
Liked a forum discussions item created by @redmando: New editor looking for dulcimer stories
@john-c-knopf
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Nice, nice!"
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Yes, @dusty, canaries in the mines.
Ohio's worst mine disaster was in Millfield OH in November 1930-- Millfield is not too far away from us. I'm going..."
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Robin, the birds offer more than a generic sense of hope. We know that canaries were once brought into the coal mines because their illness or death would..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"@macaodha Val, as I think of the contrast with the tune title, the birdsong speaks of hope. I'd forgotten we'd even made this recording with the window open..."
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Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
All
Latest Forum Posts All
Family History & Tales of...
Posted: Tuesday January 6 2026, 9:15 PM
By: @LaraW
By: @LaraW
New editor looking for...
Posted: Monday January 5 2026, 5:36 AM
By: @Redmando
By: @Redmando
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday January 1 2026, 4:51 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
How do I create a new forum...
Posted: Wednesday December 31 2025, 5:25 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:37 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
My dulcimer collection
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Monday December 29 2025, 8:47 AM
By: @paula
By: @paula
At a Dinner Party
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 5:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Two new reviews of my...
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 1:09 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
A Very Merry Christmas to...
Posted: Thursday December 25 2025, 5:10 PM
By: @RobMachin
By: @RobMachin
Is it worth gifting this...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 7:30 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
Ever seen an epinette like...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 1:55 PM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:26 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Directing Facebook Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:21 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Peterson Tuner
Posted: Sunday December 21 2025, 4:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Plucked psaltries
Posted: Wednesday December 17 2025, 6:22 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery
By: @Mr. Woolery
Western North Carolina...
Posted: Tuesday December 16 2025, 4:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Retuning
Posted: Wednesday December 10 2025, 6:31 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Blue Lion Soprano Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 8 2025, 10:29 AM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
Cyndi Lauper live
Posted: Sunday November 30 2025, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Playing with hand issues
Posted: Friday November 28 2025, 1:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Shifting bridge and nut
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 10:03 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Cyndi Lauper Walk Away Renee
Posted: Thursday November 20 2025, 2:37 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Searching for tab for...
Posted: Saturday November 15 2025, 1:02 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Goodbye my old friend
Posted: Thursday November 13 2025, 10:30 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Tuesday November 11 2025, 9:31 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Looking for Info on Laurel...
Posted: Monday November 10 2025, 2:00 PM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Advice for fire-damaged...
Posted: Sunday November 9 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
History of Pinewoods folk...
Posted: Tuesday November 4 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Read the Site Rules
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